Murphy for Governor Announces Key Members of Campaign Staff
Today, the Murphy for Governor 2021 campaign announced key members of the campaign’s senior staff. The group includes experienced campaign operatives with a diverse set of backgrounds and skills spanning both New Jersey and national politics.
With over three months to go before the New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial primary, the Murphy for Governor 2021 campaign continues to grow and take shape. Joining Campaign Manager Mollie Binotto, these staffers share Governor Murphy’s commitment to building a stronger and fairer post-pandemic economy for every New Jersey family.
“These talented individuals have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to hit the ground running on day one,” said Governor Murphy. “Along with Mollie Binotto as our Campaign Manager, I’m thrilled to work with this team to make our case for a second term to the people of New Jersey.”
“From the beginning, Governor Murphy has been committed to building a talented and diverse campaign team that represents the very best of Democratic and progressive politics,” said Murphy for Governor Campaign Manager Mollie Binotto. “I’m proud to say that we’re assembling a first-in-class campaign leadership team committed to reaching voters all across the state and winning a second term for the Governor.”
Additional senior staff hires will be announced in the weeks ahead. Bios and photos of senior staff announced today are listed below.
Jackie Burns, Deputy Campaign Manager
Jackie Burns will serve as Deputy Campaign Manager for Murphy for Governor. Since 2019, she has served as Communications Director to Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and previously served as Communications Director for Mikie Sherrill for Congress during the 2018 campaign cycle. Prior to that, she spent five years on Capitol Hill at the Office of the Historian for the U.S. House of Representatives. A native of Westfield, Jackie earned her Bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and holds Master’s degrees from Columbia University and the London School of Economics.
Miguel Arreola, Research Director
Miguel Arreola will serve as the campaign’s Research Director. During the 2020 campaign cycle, Miguel served as a Regional Research Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), directing research programs focused on competitive House races in Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida. During the 2018 cycle, he spent a month as a Field Director for Xochitl Torres Small’s U.S. House campaign in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. Prior to that, he served as a Research Analyst for the DCCC IE. Miguel has served as a Research Associate at the advocacy organization Restore Public Trust and as a National Finance Associate at Berger Hirschberg Strategies, LLC. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California and is currently seeking his Masters in Public Policy at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.
Kaitlin Demchuk, Digital Director
Kaitlin Demchuk will serve as the campaign’s Digital Director. For the 2020 campaign cycle, Kaitlin served as Content Director for Mark Kelly for Senate in Arizona, where she managed all organic content from Mission for Arizona, the Arizona Democratic Party’s coordinated campaign, and Mark Kelly’s social media accounts. She executed the campaign’s messaging across digital platforms, including SMS, video, and website copy. Previously, she served as Digital Strategist for the Atlantic Council’s DFRLab. During the 2018 campaign cycle, Kaitlin served as Deputy Digital Director for Bob Casey for Senate. She started her political career as Deputy Political Director for Katie McGinty’s campaign for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2016. Kaitlin received her undergraduate degree in Physics from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University.
Jerrel Harvey, Senior Press Advisor
Jerrel Harvey will serve as Senior Press Advisor for Murphy for Governor. He previously served as Deputy Press Secretary in the Governor’s Office, serving as Governor Murphy’s on-record spokesperson for issues including criminal justice, transportation, infrastructure, health care, and community affairs. Prior to working for the Governor, Jerrel served as Communications Director for Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo and Assemblyman John Armato (LD-2) in South Jersey. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Carol Murphy and Deputy Campaign Manager for Singleton for Senate and Conaway & Murphy for Assembly. He began his career as a Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator for Proskauer Rose LLP in New York City. A native of Camden County and current resident of Voorhees, Jerrel is a graduate of La Salle University. His last day in the Governor’s Office was February 12, 2021.
Rafi Jafri, Finance Director
Rafi Jafri will serve as Finance Director for Murphy for Governor. He most recently served as Senior Advisor to Governor Murphy during his time as Chair of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA). Rafi served as Finance Director to Governor Murphy’s 2018 Inaugural Committee and, prior to that, as Finance Director for the statewide Democratic coordinated campaign, Victory 2017. Rafi has served in a number of roles in support of former Secretary Hillary Clinton, serving as a Regional Finance Director for her 2008 presidential campaign and as a key political advisor to the Democratic Super PAC Priorities USA in 2016. A New Jersey native, Rafi is a graduate of the University of Chicago and the DePaul University College of Law and currently resides in Bergen County with his wife and four children.
Rob Long, Treasurer
Rob Long will serve as Treasurer for Murphy for Governor. Rob has nearly 40 years of organizational management experience spanning the private sector, government, non-profits, and campaigns, with a specialty in financial operations, budgeting, auditing, and compliance. Rob most recently served as a Deputy Commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, with a focus on Atlantic City’s municipal operations. He previously served as Executive Vice President of D&R Long Associates, Chief Operating Officer of Genova Burns Giantomasi Webster, Commissioner on the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, Executive Vice President of the Entrepreneur Equity Corporation, and Executive Vice President of the New Jersey Community Development Corporation. Rob is a veteran of a number of prior New Jersey campaigns, including Treasurer of Murphy for Governor 2017, Chief Financial and Operating Officer for McGreevey for Governor 2001, Deputy Campaign Manager and Treasurer of McGreevey for Governor 1997, Treasurer of Florio for Governor 1993, and Deputy Treasurer of Florio for Governor 1989. Rob earned his Master of Divinity at Drew Theological School and served as Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Sea Bright, where he lives with his wife, Dina, and son, Samuel. He holds a M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree from Dickinson College.
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